Mayor Van Johnson summed up Saturday’s dedication of Taylor Square, noting that “We’re not rewriting history…and we’re not making history. We’re making sense.”

For the first time in its nearly 300 year history, one of Savannah’s signature squares has been named for a woman, and an African-American. A large and festive crowd numbering in the hundreds was on hand on Saturday to see the dedication of Taylor Square, formerly known as Calhoun Square. Its previous namesake, vice-president John C. Calhoun, was a fierce advocate of slavery.

Its new namesake, Susannah “Susie” Baker King Taylor, was born into slavery and went on to become the first African-American nurse in the U. S. military and the only African-American woman to publish a memoir of her Civil War service (Reminisces of My Life in Camp). She was also a staunch advocate of creating educational opportunities for Black children and is believed to be the first Black teacher to openly teach African-Americans in Georgia. She established two schools in Savannah and another in Liberty County.

Savannah City Manager Joseph Melder introduced the event.

Reverend Jamie Maury of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia led the ceremony with a prayer.

Patt Gunn, of the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee, who with Rosalyn Rouse spearheaded the effort to rename the square, thanked those in the neighborhood for their support. She also made references to her Gullah Geechee roots.

Donald Lovett, chairman of the Liberty County commission, spoke of Mrs. Taylor’s Liberty County origins.

Music was provided by the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church choir.

Hermina Glass-Hill, who leads the Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute and Ecology Center in Midway, is the foremost authority on Mrs. Taylor’s life. She noted, “I can assure you that this revolution of unity in the city of Savannah…would certainly make her [Mrs. Baker] proud.”

Mayor Johnson described the effort to rename the park, thanking those who led the effort and countless volunteers.

Dr. Bertice Berry inspired the crowd.

Rev. Ben Martin is the senior pastor at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, which faces Taylor Square. He noted that the congregation was proud of the work done here.

The city hosted an all-day celebration in the square, with activities throughout the day.

This was a source of pride for the historic district.

I was honored to meet Letha Moore and even let her take my picture. She told me that she’s the unofficial photographer for her church.

People of all generations took in the festivities.

Hermina Glass-Hill poses with friends.

Here, Mayor Van Johnson prepares to reveal the new sign, while former mayors Edna Jackson and Otis Johnson look on.

Savannah Historic District, National Historic Landmark